Water treating apparatus and system with time and
automatic brine refill control



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T l I (FAST RINSE'BREF/LL) FIG [8d BMW M N0.2 s01. OPEN o/vu INVENTOR DONALD ROSE ATTORNEYS United States Patent Ofifice 25,979 WATER TREATING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM WITH TIME AND AUTOMATIC BRINE REFILL CONTROL Donald Rose, Dayton, Ohio, assignor of one-half to Ronald D. Baker, Dayton, Ohio Original No. 3,080,975, dated Mar. 12, 1963, Ser. No. 21,720, Apr. 12, 1960. Application for reissue June 12, 1963, Ser. No. 287,745

The portion of the term of the patent subsequent to July 16, 1979, has been disclaimed 7 Claims. (Cl. 210-35) Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

This invention is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 707,267, filed January 6, 1958, now U.S. Patent No. 3,044,626, issued July 17, 1962, and Serial No. 785,237, filed January 6, 1959, now US. Patent 3,014,497, issued December 29, 1961.

This invention relates to a water softening system having time control of brine refill tank with full control to accommodate a refill water pressure. range.

An object of this invention is to provide a water treating apparatus that utilizes downfiow treating through a mineral bed, controlled upfiow backwash, controlled downflow brining and rinsing and controlled downflow fast rinse and replacement of water to brine tank through a flow control means Where a fixed amount of replacement water is introduced in a definite time within water replacement pressure supply variation limits.

Another object of the invention is to provide a water treating system that has a minimum of moving parts to accomplish full automatic operation with replacement water to brine tank being time and flow controlled regardless of pressure supply within limits.

A further object of the invention is to provide a water treating system that has a minimum of moving parts to accomplish full automatic operation with replacement water to brine tank being time and fiow controlled regardless of pressure supply within limits and wherein all types of brine tanks may be utilized.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a method of utilization of a mineral bed for treating water in a softener tank so that it can cope with iron and turbid waters as well as hard water.

Still further objects and the entire scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples which are given by way of illustration only and, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are not given by way of limitation, since various changes and modifications within the spirit of this invention will become apparent to those ski-lied in the art from this detailed description.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of the invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawings, description and claims in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the apparatus employed in the system;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the valve assembly on an enlarged scale over the showing in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the valve assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the top section of the body of the valve assembly along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the mid-section of the body of the valve assembly along line 55 of FIG. 3 with the gasket in place;

Re. 25,979 Reissued Mar. 8, 1966 FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the of the valve assembly along line FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG. 2 showing particularly the unitary gasket and reciprocating valve actuator diaphragm;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary of the larger diaphragm actuator for the double acting reciprocating valve of FIG. 7 in the down position of the diaphragm and the valve actuated thereby;

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of the rear half of the mid-section and the unitary gasket and reciprocating valve actuator diaphragm together with the parts of the larger rear reciprocating valve;

FIG. 9a is a side elevation of the rod with the composition valve means attached and shown in cross section;

FIG. 9b is an enlarged fragmentary view of part of the valve actuator shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of .the bottom section along line 10-10 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. 2 showing the service line and ce-rtain valves therein;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary vertical cross sectional view along line 13-13 of FIG. 2- showing the two valve elements thereof and certain passageways;

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross sectional view along line 14-14 of FIG. 5 on an enlarged scale showing a drain passageway to the second valve element;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged vertical sectional view along line 15-15 of FIG. 5 showing a strainer in the supply line well and certain takeoff passages leading from the well;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged vertical sectional view along line 16-16 of FIG. 5 showing the drain cutolf valve adjacent the first valve element and certain drain passageways;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the electric timer and its cams, the two micro-switches, the first and second valve actuation solenoids and the circuit hook-up;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic showing of the first cycleconditioning of water;

FIG. 18a is a similar showing of the apparatus of FIG. 18 but for the second cycle-backwashing the mineral bed;

FIG. 18b is similar to the showing of the apparatus in FIG. 18 including diagrammatically the brine tank and showing the third cycle-brining of the mineral bed and pulling brine from the brine tank;

FIG. is a showing of the apparatus in its fourth cycle-slow rinse down through the mineral bed; and

FIG. 18d is a diagrammatic showing of softener tank and brine tank in the fifth cycle operation of fast rinse and refill of replacement water into the brine tank.

Throughout the description like reference numerals refer to similar or like parts.

The system includes the usual softener tank S containing the necessary minerals as for treating the hard Water and a brine tank B that is loaded with salt which as illustrated will have dry storage above the replacement water level L and is sufiicient for a relatively long period. The cap C here illustrated is air tight on the tank B.

Tank S, the softener tank, has the hard water top distributor 10 made of plastic material and is formed with an upwardly curved end 10 within the tank S adjacent the top thereof. This distributor on backwash, cycle No. 2, is connected to the drain and it has a cu-rved neck which is always open to eliminate restrictions. Since the mid-section of the body 6-6 of FIG. 3;

view along line 11-11 backwash is controlled, as will be explained hereinafter, there can be no loss of mineral M at any pressure, however, there is nothing to prevent iron or turbidity from being washed out of the softener tank S durirrg the backwash cycle. the mineral bed of about 50 percent of the height of the tank. In operation, supply of brine during regeneration is provided preferably from a point about 1 inch above the mineral bed level ML. By using this introduction of brine, the brine concentration is, therefore, not diluted by freeboard water F above the mineral bed M which has been isolated in the upper portion of tank S. The brine strength is always in the range of 8-12 percent by weight (-50 salometer). The mineral M in the tank is of a high capacity resin to provide for ion exchange in water softening.

The brine tank B is preferably of plastic material to reduce corrosion and it has an easily removable air tight cover C hinged at 12 and fastened tight by a thumb screw 12'. In the brine tank B may be positioned a cylindrical tube 13 of non-corrosive and durable plastic material. This plastic tube has a plurality of spaced apart apertures 13a in the base thereof adjacent the bottom of the tank B to permit free flow therethrough of replacement water and/ or brine.

An aperture is formed in the wall of tank B to receive a rubber grommet 17 through which extends a common brine suction and water replacement conduit 18 of noncorrosive plastic material. Conduit 18 has a curved lower end 18 extending at the bottom of tube 13 just above the aperture 13a. In the brine tank shown there is approximately 2 inches of flint gravel G at the bottom of the tank B to distribute brine evenly. Tube 18 leads through grommet 17 to the side of an air check valve or trap AC. Air check valve AC is connected by a further plastic conduit 18" to a Constant Flow Control or Regulator PC that is in turn connected by a plastic conduit 18 to the brine conduit fitting 265 on the side of valve 200.

Following removal of the brine BR from the bottom of tank B for regeneration action of the minerals M in tank S and a slow rinse of the minerals, replacement water is introduced through the same conduit sections 18, 18, 18" and 18".

The No. 2 switch is held closely by action of its cooperating cam and solenoid No. 2 remains energized for a definite period of time whereupon replacement water flows through flow control FC between conduit lines 18" and 18". This is a standard fiow control valve which for a given time will pass a given quantity of water even though the pressure supply varies within certain allowable limits. This insures that a given quantity, as desired, of replacement water is introduced into the bottom of the brine tank so that the brine supply may be replenished. A typical flow control valve is disclosed in US. Patent 2,454,929, issued November 30, 1948. The common brine and water replacement line 18, since it is used for draw-off of brine and refill of replacement water, is continually flushed out and thus any clogging is eliminated. Each regeneration cycle forces replacement water in a reverse direction down through the conduit 18.

The valve body or assembly generally indicated at 200 is made up of three sections as shown in FIG. 3, namely, a top section 200a, a middle section 200b, and a bottom section 200c, having suitable gaskets as will be explained hereinafter between sections that are held together by four cap screws 2005 at each corner received in through apertures in the sections and threadedly received in threaded apertures in the bottom section 200c. The gasket 300 between sections 200a and 20% is made up to serve at least a triple function of a gasket having portions which serve as a diaphragm valve actuator having a particular configuration to provide for biasing action, the structure of which is described in greater detail hereinafter, particularly as respects FIGS. 8, 9, 9a and 9b.

The softener tank S has a freeboard F above In the make up of this valve assembly three sections are here illustrated and certain passageways are made up of complementary sections in cooperating adjacent sections which assist in the ease of manufacture, assembly and repair.

Reference to FIG. 7 shows a hard water supply passageway generally indicated at 201 having an inlet end 201a, an outlet end 201b, both in the bottom section 200c. In FIG. 12 at the other side of the valve assembly is a service passageway generally indicated at 202 through which in service condition of the valve assembly, water that has been treated to soften it passes to the house service connection 202b as will later be described. The passageway 201 in FIG. 7 is ofiset transversely in the bottom section 200c to form a valve seat 201c which divides the whole passageway into a first portion 201' including the cavity 201e in the bottom of middle section between the valve seat and the outlet 201b and the second portion 201" between the valve seat and the outlet 201b and the second portion 201 between the inlet 201a and the valve seat 201c. Also in this passageway 201 that extends in the bottom of the middle section 20Gb of the valve body is a valve seat 201d leading to a drain passageway 203 as will be described.

The valve seats 201c and 201d are in vertical alignment and on the vertical axis therethrough in the middle section 200b there is from bottom to top, the valve seat 201d, a first valve element drain cavity 203, a reduced bore 204 for receiving a first valve element 206 as will be described, and a first valve element pressure actuator chamber 205.

The first valve element generally indicated at 206 in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 has a valve stem or bolt 207 having an integral head 207a at the lower end, an attached circular plate or Washer 207b spaced in from 207a and a threaded upper end to receive a nut 208. About the lower end of rod 207 and about the plate 207b is formed in a vulcanized manner a valve means 206a at the bottom to cooperate with valve seat 201c, a second valve means 206b thereabove to cooperate with valve seat 201e, a sleeve 209 of stainless steel is received over rod 207 and extends up through the bore 204 and through an O-ring seal 204a held by a washer 204b. The sleeve 209' seats against the bottom of a specially shaped lower disc or washer 304 as the bolt 207 passes up therethrough a pressure actuator portion 302 of combined gasket 300 receiving thereover a specially shaped top disc or washer 305 secured under nut 208.

The specially shaped lower washer or piston 304 is of brass material circular in shape with an upturned rim 304a, a central aperture 304b and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart apertures 304c to act as drains so that hot water will become trapped.

The pressure actuator portion of combined gasket 300 is indicated generally at 302 which is molded with a fold part to provide for flexing up and down and to impart a biasing action to return the portion to its normal up position of rest. The pressure actuator portion 302 of the combined gasket and pressure actuator 300 is made up of a cylindrical vertical outer wall 302a, a bottom annular portion 3022b extending inwardly towards a central aperture 303a, a vertically extending middle cylindrical wall 302e, spaced inwardly and concentric with wall 302a, a top annular portion 302d, an inner vertically extending cylindrical wall 302e joining at its bottom with a bottom 302f that is disc shaped and molded about a central disc or washer 303 to afford rigidity to the bottom 302i. The portions 302a, 302b and 1502c form an outer U-shaped in cross section portion with an open top While the common wall 3020 and the portion 302d and vertical wall 1502c form an inner inverted U-shape in cross section portion with an open bottom. These two U-shaped portions flex as shown in partially distended position in FIG. 8 and have inherent springiness to bias the pressure actuator back to its normal position when fluid actuating pressure applied to the top is removed.

The upper specially shaped washer 305 is of dish shape having a circular bottom 305a with a central aperture therein to receive the top end of bolt or rod 207, an upwardly and outwardly slanting vertical wall 305c with spaced apart draining apertures 305d therein, and a top annular horizontally extending flange 305e.

The fluid pressure supply to actuate the fluid pressure actuator 302 to reciprocate the first valve 206 and to seat and unseat the valve means 206a and 206b at the bottom thereof will be described later.

Also formed in the combined gasket and pressure actuator generally indicated at 300 is a drain valve actuator portion 301 formed with an inverted U-shaped in cross section formed up annular biasing portion consisting of outer vertical wall 301a, top annular portion 301b and vertical inner wall 301c which at its bottom joins integrally with the disc-like bottom 301d. This pressure actuator portion is positioned above a drain cut-otf valve pressure actuator chamber 212 to actuate a drain cutoff valve generally indicated at 213 as will be described.

In FIG. 8 first valve 206 is shown in its pressurized position where it has moved down so that the first valve means 206a thereon seats on seal 201-c to close off passage 201" from portion 201e of passage 201'. Passage 201e is opened to communicate with the drain passages 203 and 203a since the second valve means 206b on the first valve 206 has been moved down off of its cooperating seat 201d. Pressure besides acting on the pressure actuator 302 is acting on the top of the second valve means 206b and the portion centrally thereof to hold valve 206 down.

It is desired that there be no communication between the drain passageway 203 and the bottom portion of pressure actuator cylinder cavity 205 below the actuator 302 therein and thus there is provided a seal assembly about the sleeve 209, which includes an O-ring 204a and retainer washer 204b shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

Referring to FIG. 7 there is connected to the drain cavity 203 in the middle section 200b of the valve body a drain passageway 203a which leads to the bottom of a drain cut-off valve pressure actuator chamber 212 that extends vertically in the middle section 200b and receives the drain cut-off pressure actuator piston generally indicated at 213. The piston assembly 213 includes a reduced diameter rubber washer 214 which is suitably held assembled with the cut-off actuator 213 by means of a bolt and nut assembly generally indicated at 214a and which seats against the bottom of chamber 212 to close off the drain entry passageway 203a. A compression spring 215 is positioned in the bottom of the chamber 212 and seats around the member 214 against the bottom of actuator 213 and urges it upward.

Also shown in FIG. 7 is a vertically disposed screenreceiving cavity or well 216 which extends through the middle section 200b and has a lower opening 216a communicating with the hard water supply passageway second portion 201". The screen-receiving passageway 216 receives a cylindrically shaped screen 217. The upper end of screen 217 extends into an internally threaded aperture 216b in upper section 200a. Threaded aperture 216b receives a special securing cap screw 2178. that extends at its reduced lower end into the top of screen 217. A sealing washer 217b seals cap 127a in section 200a. Control pressure water and bypass water, as will be explained later, passes through this screen 217 and passes through the cavity connected therewith, as indicated at 216c in FIG. 5 in the middle section 200b of the valve body.

Referring to FIG. 4 a first control pressure channel way comprises the channel way 218 formed in the bottom of the top section 200a which is generally oval and elongated in shape and extends over to and above an end part of the cavity 2160 middle section 200b, see FIG. 5, to receive water therefrom and conduct it through the three vertical channel ways 219 as shown in FIG. 4 and one in section in FIG. 11 at 219 to an annular open face cavity 220 in the top of valve body 200a, thence to the coaxial passageway 221 within annular cavity 220 in the top section 200a. Vertical passage 221 is in communication with the balance of the first control pressure channel way 220, as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 11, so that an elongated shallow cavity or channel way is formed in the lower face of the top section 200a and it receives fluid pressure from vertical passage 221 with which its outer edge portion is in communication. Also in FIG. 4, a passage 222a is drilled or formed in the top section 200a to connect cavity 222 and 221 with a cylindrical recess 222c in top section 200a to feed fluid control pressure to the top of first valve element pressure cavity 205 and to the annular cavity 222d formed in 200a concentric about recess 222c to feed pressure to the first valve element 206 and the pressure actuator 302 of the combined gasket and pressure actuator 300.

The annular cavity 220, see FIG. 11, and the coaxial inner cylindrical vertical passage 221 are separated by an annular wall 223, the top of which forms a seat to receive a standard type of solenoid valve generally indicated at 224. The solenoid valve 224 has an armature 224a therein with a needle-like valve point 224b which seats in the center of a composition diaphragm generally indicated at 225 having a depending rim portion 225a received within an annular recess 226 in section 200a. The diaphragm 225 has spaced apart vertically extending small apertures 225b extending through the rim thereof so water under pressure may pass upward therethrough from the annular cavity 220 to the top of the diaphragm 225 to pressurize the top and hold it seated on the annular seat 223 when the needle valve 224b is seated to close off the orifice 225c which extends axially through the center of the diaphragm 225. Thus, when the solenoid 224 is energized to lift the armature 224a, the needle-like valve point 224b is lifted and orifice 225c is opened so that the pressure is reduced above the diaphragm 225 to upset the prior pressure balance above and below and the diaphragm 225 is lifted up by the pressure dilferential acting in annular cavity 220 therebelow and water under pressure flows over the valve seat 223 into the coaxial inner passageway 221 and thence to the cavity 222.

Referring to FIG. 2, a common drain cavity is indicated at 226 in the bottom section 200c of the valve body and this cavity leads at one end to a vertical drain connection 226a to which a drain line may be attached. This drain cavity 226 is also shown in FIG. 10 which is a top plan view of the lower section 200c. In line with this drain cavity and the drain connection 226a therein, is a vertical passageway 227 leading to a jet cavity 228 thereabove which communicates with the passageways 221 and 222 and is axially in line and below the orifice 225c controlled by the solenoid valve 224. Housed in the orifice cavity 228 is a restricting jet orifice 229. A passageway or bore extends transversely to the passageway 28 and communicates therewith as indicated at 230 in the body 200b and receives a threaded plug 231. A secondary suction drain line may be attached to the aperture 230 when the threaded plug 231 is removed. When the solenoid valve 224, the first control valve means, is actuated by the control apparatus and jet 229 is placed in operation it directs a stream through the drain 226 and 226a in alignment therewith and places a suction on the common drain cavity 226 and all of the other drains to be described that are connected thereto. The pressurizing jet 229 also pressurizes the channel ways thereabove so as to apply pressure to the first valve element pressure actuator 302 to move the first valve element 206 down against the built in biasing portion 302a, 302b, 302d and 302e thereof, so that the first valved means thereon 206a seats against the seat 201c in the pressure supply passageway to close off the water supply and to interrupt the normal service operation of the valve assembly. In so doing, the second valve 2061: unseats from its seat 201d to connect the section 201', the first section of the supply passageway 201, to the drain cavity 203 and drain passageway 203a. Reference to FIG. 16 shows the drain cut-off drain actuator 213 and the rubber valve element 214 associated therewith which closes off the drain passageway 203a in the bottom of the drain cavity 212. Connected to the drain cut-off valve pressure actuator cavity 212 in the valve body mid-portion 200b is a drain passageway 22Gb leading to the common drain cavity 226 in the bottom section 200c of the valve body. Thus, as will be described later when the cut-off drain actuator 213 is pressurized on top it moves down against the spring 215 and the rubber valve disk 214 seats against the bottom of the cavity 212 to close off the drain passage 203a so as to interrupt the drain connection from 203a through the cavity 212 to the drain passageway 226b and thence to the common drain 226.

Referring back to FIG. 4, it will be noted that one arm 222b of the portion of the first pressure control channel way 222 leads so as to be in position over a vertically extending first check valve cavity 232, see FIGS. 5 and 12, in the middle portion 200b of the valve body.

The vertically extending cavity 232 has a number of stepped bore portions therein as indicated at 232a, the

largest diameter portion, a next portion 232b, the smallest diameter portion, and communicating therewith are two additional stepped larger portions 232c and 232d. A restrictor member generally indicated at 233 is mounted in the cavity 232a and has a throttling throat 233a therein which is axially above a check valve generally indicated at 234 mounted in the cavity portion 232d. Check valve 234 is of rubber and has a bulb portion 234a with a slit 234b across the bottom of the bulb portion which when pressure from the service line 202 and particularly the second portion 202" therebelow acts t-hereagainst closes the portions of the bulb 234a forming slit 234b and prevents flow upward therethrough. The check valve 234 is held in place by a retainer ring 235. This check valve 234 is a pressure controlling valve in a by-pass line formed by the passageway 222 and 222b leading from the pressure supply 201" shown in FIG. 6 and described above which provides a communication over to the service line portion 20 This by-pass provides backwash pressure under throttled pressure conditions which passes through the service line in reverse direction to the bottom of a softener tank S. Check valve 234 and the by-pass in which it is positioned provides decreased pressure supply for the service line portion 202" and the house connection connected at 202b when the valve assembly is carrying out regeneration functions, including backwash and rinse. Thus, the service line portion 202" to supply'water to the house is never without pressure.

Reference is now made to the service passageway 202 and the second valve element assembly 236 particularly shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The second valve element assembly 236 is made up the same as the first valve element 206 having a bolt or stem 237 threaded at one end to receive a nut 238, a first valved means 236a which is of rubber or the like that seats against valve seat 202c and divides the service passageway 202 into a first portion 202' including the cavity 202a in the bottom of section 200b in the section 200c and a second portion 202". Also on the first valve element 236 is an oppositely positioned second valved means 236b and it seats against the seat 202d. Completing the second valve element 236 is a sleeve 239, a second valve pressure actuator 310.

The second valve element 236 is received within the middle section 200b of the main body in vertical cavities consisting of the drain cavity 242 above seat 202d and drain cavity 242a therebelow, a stem aperture 243 thereabove which receives and guides the sleeve 239 of the second valve element 236 and a third cavity consisting of the second valve element pressure actuator cavity 244. Received in the upper end of the drain cavity 242 is an O-ring 245 held in by a washer 245a therebelow and through which the sleeve 239 reciprocates. In FIG. 13 is shown two vertically extending spaced apart bores 246 and 246a extending in section 200b to form a communication from the bottom of the cavity 244 into the drain cavity 242. The built in biasing action in the combined gasket and pressure actuator 300 at the second pressure actuator 31!] urges the second valve element 236 upward so as to close the second valve means 2361) against the seat 202d. So also the pressure in lines 201" and 202" acts on the valves 206 and 236 at their bottom ends in service position to urge them up.

Reference to FIGS. 12 and 14 shows a drain passageway 226c leading from the cavity 244 underneath the second valve element pressure actuator 310 to the common drain cavity 226.

Also in FIG. 13 there is shown an interconnecting passageway 248 that consists of two branches 248a and 248b which are bored downwardly at an angle of about 45 so as to meet and which interconnect the cavities 244 and 205 below the respective first and second valve element pressure actuators 302 and 310. This interconnecting passageway 248 drains off cavity 205 below the pressure actuator 302 therein to release any built-up pressure to the cavity 244 below the pressure actuator 310 that has the drain connection 226c as shown in FIG. 14.

Control pressure for actuating the second valve element 236 and the drain cut-off actuator 213 will now be described. Referring to FIG. 15 the pressure supply strainer well 216 and portion 216c thereof are connected by passageway 249 in the middle section of the valve body 200b with an elongated cavity 250 formed in the upper face of the middle section 200b as shown in FIGS. 5, 11 and 15. This cavity 250 extends across the valve body 200b, as shown best in FIG. 5, between the first and second valve elements generally indicated at 206 and 236. Reference to FIG. 4 depicting the top section 200a where the bottom face thereof is viewed shows a cavity 251 serving a similar purpose to that of cavity 218 and two vertical apertures 252 extend through the top section 200a shown in FIG. 11 in a similar manner to the apertures 219 for cavity 218. The upper ends of the apertures or bores 252 terminate in an annular cavity 253', see FIG. 11, similar to cavity 220 for the pressure actuator control valve 224. A solenoid actuated second control valve 254 like the valve 224 controls flow from the annular channel 253 to the vertical passage 255, the latter passage being similar to the passage 221 in the previously described valve arrangement operated by the solenoid 224. In the middle section 200b of the valve body and axially in line with the passageway 255 is a jet receiving aperture or well 256 within whichis received a pressurizing jet 257. The base of the jet well 256 is connected by a vertical bore 258 with a cavity 259 in the bottom face of the middle section 200b to receive a check valve 260 similar to the check valve 234 previously described. This check valve 260 has a bulb portion 261 at its bottom end which is slotted at 261a in its lower half. The bulb portion 261 is received within the vertical aperture 262 extending in the bottom section 200c of the valve body which has a threaded lower end or outlet 262a that is connected with a softener tank S just above the mineral bed upper level ML.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a side passageway 264 in the bottom section 200b of the valve body. This passage 264 has a threaded external end at 264a and a reduced throat portion 264b at the inner end which communicates with the bottom of the jet well 256 below the jet 257, as shown in FIG. 11. Connected at the outer end 264a of the passageway 264 is a fitting 265, see FIGS. 2 and 3, that is adapted to receive a rubber or 9 plastic tube section 18' which leads to a common brine suction and water replacement line in the brine tank B.

It will be seen in FIG. 11 that the armature 254a in the solenoid actuated valve 254 has a needle valve end 254b cooperating with the orifice 254d in the diaphragm 254c of the valve assembly 254. A spring 254e urges the armature 254a and the needle valve 254b thereon into closing position with the orifice 254d in diaphragm 254c. The small vertically extending orifice 254e in the diaphragm 254a permits equalization of pressure above and below diaphragm when the orifice 254d is closed ofi by valve 254b. When the solenoid 254 is energized the armature 254a is retracted against the spring 2540 and the pressure balance is upset about the diaphragm 254c so as to permit control water under pressure to travel from the channel 253 to the vertical passageway 255 and then to the jet 257 as will later be described.

Referring again to FIG. 4 there is shown a second control pressure channel way portion 266 similar to the first channel way portion 222. Channel way 266 is elongated and is in communication with the bottom end of the vertical passageway 255, see FIG. 11. One end of passageway 266 is connected by a channel way 266a drilled in top section 200a to communicate with an axially extending cavity 266c receiving the top end of the second valve element 236. A concentric cavity 266d in top section 2002. is in communication with cavity 266c and receives pressure to pressurize the pressure actuator 310 of the second valve 236. The other end of the cavity 266 is connected by a drilled passage 26Gb to a cavity 266b' in top section 200a to supply pressure to the drain cut-off pressure actuator 213. The combined gasket and pressure actuator generally indicated at 300 has formed therein a drain cut-01f valve pressure actuator portion generally indicated at 301 as previously described with reference to FIG. 9. This portion 301 of the gasket 300 applies pressure to the top of cut-otl valve piston 213 when pressurized. The portion 301 has a built in biasing feature in the shaped portions 301a, 301b, 3010 and 301d. Thus, the jet 256, when pressure is applied thereto, backs up pressure in the passageway 266 so as to apply control pressure to both the second valve element 236 and to the drain cut-off valve pressure actuator 213.

TIMER CONTROL OF SOLENOID OPERATED VALVES In FIG. 17 there is shown a portion of a timer clock generally indicated at 400 having an electric drive motor 401 with electric power leads 401a and 401b. This timer is shown in detail in my copending application Serial No. 10,477, filed February 23, 1960, now US. Patent No. 3,067,298 issued December 4, 1962. There is a cam actuator 402 :for day selection, a 24 hour disc cam 403 with an indented recess 403a and an overlying 24 hour cam disc 404. Cam disc 404 has a cam slot or cut away portion at a for No. 1 switch to energize No. 1 solenoid 224 and a cam slot or cut away portion at b for No. 2 switch to energize No. 2 solenoid 254. It will be noted that a sector is marked otl showing BKW (backwash) in the operation of No. l solenoid which sector is joined by a completing common sector that shows No. 1 solenoid energized through the Brine and Slow Rinse Cycles. Also there is shown a common sector for No. 2 solenoid being energized during the Brine and Slow Rinse Cycles and the terminal period where No. 1 solenoid is deenergized and No. 2 solenoid is held energized by No. 2 switch during a Fast Rinse and Refill of replacement water to brine tank.

In the upper right and corner of the apparatus shown in FIG. 17 is shown No. 1 and No. 2 switches. Switch No. 1 is designated 405 and has an operating arm or finger 405a which is the cam slot follower portion of the switch. There is a fixed contact 405b housed in an insulated mounting wall 407 of the clock housing and a movable contact mounting and terminal 405c that mounts the movable contact 405d. A like switch is designated 408 and has an operating arm 408a, a fixed contact terminal 408b, a movable contact mounting end terminal 408c and a movable terminal 408d.

A power terminal block is provided at 409. Terminals 410 and 411 are connected to a 110 volt A.C. supply. Terminals 412 and 413 are terminal connectors for the power leading from switches 405 and 408. Switch 405 is connected by a lead 414 connected at one end to terminal 405b and at the other end to terminal 412. Switch 408 has a lead 415 connected at one end to terminal 408b and the other end to 414 on the terminal block. Terminal 412 is connected by a lead 416 to one terminal 224a of No. 1 solenoid 224. The other terminal 414 is connected by a lead 417 to terminal 254 on No. 2 solenoid 254. A common power lead 418 leads from power terminal 410 to the other terminals on the solenoids, namely to terminals 224b and 254b. Another power terminal lead 418a also connected terminal 410 with a power lead 40121 of the clock motor 401. A conductor 419 supplies one side of the power line to switches 405c and 408c. Lead 419a also connects power terminal 411 with clock lead 401b.

OPERATION OF VALVE ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING-NO. 1 CYCLE The operation of the valve assembly 200 is analogous to that as explained in my copending application Serial No. 707,267, filed January 6, 1958.

In the service or softening operation the hard water supply which is connected at 201a in valve assembly 200, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, passes through the service passageway 201, past the valve seat 201d, out through the chamber portion 201e and to the outlet connection 201b which is connected by pipe 10 to the top of a softener tank S. In the softener tank S water passes downward through the mineral bed M where treatment and softening takes place by the ion exchange principle, out the bottom of the softener tank S, and thence up to the valve assembly 200 by conduit 65 where it enters at 202a into the service passageway 202, past the valve seat 202d and thence out to the house service connection 202b.

A timer mechanism and circuits as shown in FIGS. 1 and 17 are utilized with this valve assembly 200 to properly actuate the solenoid 224 for the first valve element 206 and solenoid 254 for the second valve element 236. It will be noted that the valve elements 206 and 236 are biased upwardly as is the by-pass cut-off operator 213. In the case of the first valve element 206 and the second valve element 236 water pressure also acts on the first valved means 206a for the first valve element 206 and on the first valved means 236a on the second valve element 236. Spring 215 under cut-off valve piston 213 holds the valve washer 214 off of the bottom of well 212 so that the drain is open when the pressure actuator 301 therefor is not pressurized.

BACKWASHINGNO. 2 CYCLE Backwashing is an upflow operation that loosens a mineral bed and removes foreign deposits on such mineral material in a softener tank. The first solenoid actuator 224 is energized and the armature 224a thereof is raised off its seat so as to apply the first control pressure which follows the path from the supply pressure line portion 201", passage 216a, through screen 217, the screen well 216, the first control pressure channel way portion 218 in communication with the screen well 216 at 216e, through vertical passageways 219, annular passage 220, thence under the diaphragm 225 and into the vertical passageway 221, pressurizing the jet 220 and placing a suction on the common drain 226226a. Pressure in the portions 222a and 222b of the first control pressure channel way 222 applies pressure to the first valve element 206 causing it to move down against the built in biasing action in the portion of the combined gasket and pressure actuator 300 so that the first valved means 206a thereon seats and closes against the seat 201d therebelow and interrupts supply passageway 201 and water flow therethrough. As the first valve element 206 moves downward, the second valved means 206b thereon unseats from its seat 201d and opens up the drain 203-203a to the topside of the softener tank as it is connected to passageway first portion 201' and 2131b. Water for backwashing comes from the first control passageway portion 222b that is also pressurized when solenoid 224 is actuated, passes down through the first check valve 234, through the service passageway 202 in the valve body and past the valve seat 202c and thence through passage 20 2c and 1202a to the bottom of the softener tank. This by-pass Water pressure is governed by the bypass through the check valve 234 to supply adequate backwash up through a mineral bed in the softener tank.

Any pressure on the softener tank is relieved through the drain 203a which passes through the drain chamber 212 to the drain passage 226b and thence to the common drain 226. The action of the pressurizing jet 229 places a suction on the common drain 226 and thus assists in removing the backwash water. Since the pressure is applied on the drain to form a suction, the drain can be at a higher level than the valve assembly 200 and still move drain water out of the system.

In this operation of backwashing since there is pressure on the softener tank, pressure feeds up therethrough to connection 262a, see FIG. 11, in the valve body so as to apply pressure and close the slot 261a of bulb 261 of the check valve 260. This check valve 260 seals off any movement of water upward therethrough.

BRINE AND SLOW RINSE-CYCLES NO. 3 AND NO. 4

Following the backwash, the timer control mechanism causes the second solenoid, namely, solenoid control valve means 254 to be energized. The first solenoid 224 is still energized. On energization of solenoid 254 the second control pressure channel way 266 is pressurized. The second control pressure channel way 266 receives a water pressure supply from the pressure supply line portion 201a, the screen well 216, passageway 249 in the valve body 200b, see FIG. 15, cavity 250, cavity 251, vertical passageways 252, annular cavity 253, the water then passes under the diaphragm of solenoid valve 254 and thence down through the passage 255 whereupon jet 257 is pressurized as is the second control passageway 266. The second control passageway 266 pressurizes each of its ends 266a and 266b so as to move the second valve element 236 downward and also move the drain cut-off actuator 213 down so that the rubber washer 214 thereon closes off the drain passage in the bottom of the drain well 212. When the second valve element 236 moves downward the first valved means thereon 236a closes against seat 202c and shuts off any by-pass water and at the same time the second valve means 236b moves down in unison therewith to uncover its seat 202d and provide communication from the first portion of the service passageway 202' to the drain cavity 242. As viewed in FIG. 13, drain cavity 242 for the second valve 236 communicates through the vertical passages 246 to the bottom of the second valve pressure actuator cavity 244 and then by the drain 226e, see FIG. 14, to the common drain 226. This action starts a brine operation that is followed by a slow rinse operation. The pressurizing jet 257 places a suction on the line 264 in the valve body, see FIG. 3, which is attached to the fitting 265 and to the bottom of the brine tank B by a common brine and replacement water line 18 connected to the brine tank and to fitting 265 on the valve assembly 200, see FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, through air check AC and the flow control FC. Brine is drawn up from the bottom of the brine tank and is discharged through the passage 262a below jet orifice 257 and thence through the conduit 263 to the top of the bed of minerals in the softener tank. The drain water of the brining operation passes out the bottom of softener tank and through the connection 202a, see FIGS. 12 and 13, the first portion 202' of the service passageway 202, past the second valve means 23Gb on the second valve element 236, past seat 202d, through 242, apertures 246 and 246a, bottom of well 244, and out through the drain passage 226e, see FIG. 14, to the common drain 226. This common drain 226 is still b'eiiig augmented by the pressurizing jet 229 so that the drain is given an ejector action through the connection 226a therebelow the orifice passageway 227 below the first jet orifice 229.

FAST RINSE AND REFILL-CYCLE NO. 5

First valve element 206 is in the up position and second valve element 236 is in down position. Pressure is now applied through the supply passageway 201 in the valve body, past the valve seat 201c and thence to the top of the softener tank. With this pressure applied at the top of the softener tank, a suitable brine connection 263 to the tank leading to just above the miner l bed therein and to 262a is pres'suifiked and the check valve 260 thus is pressurized closed so as to prevent Water from passing upward therethrough. As the full pressure supply from the supply line 201 is applied to the top of the softener tank, it provides a fast rinse through the mineral bed therein, which fast rinse is drained off through the drain provided by the second valve element 236 which leads to the drain line 226c to the common drain 226. Pressure is still applied to the jet 256, and it now discharges through what pre viously acted as the brine suction line 264, through fitting 265, flow control FC and air check AC, and thence to the brine tank so as to now act as a water replacement line to place water into the bottom of the brine tank.

After the No. 2 solenoid can 304 maves thrdugh its actuating arc, switch No, 2 is opened and solenfiid N6; 2 is dee'nergi'zed and the second valve means 236 rcturiis to normal or service position whereupon the second valve means 236a thereon moves up off seat 202d restoring the communication between the first portion 202 and the second portion 202 of the service passageway 202 whereupon soft water now being conditioned through passing through the mineral bed passes through the service line 202 to the house connection 202b.

It is to be noted that the slow rinse followed by the fast rinse provided by the flexibility of the valve assembly carries out the rinsing of the minerals in a softener tank after they have been rehabilitated by the brine cycle in such a manner that the mineral bed is regenerated to handle and to also cope with iron-bearing waters.

The valve assembly 200 according to this invention as illustrated and described as to its operations use only two solenoid actuated first and second valve elements each having first and second valve means there-on. There is a minimum of operating parts; nevertheless the appropriate upfiow backwash is supplied for the minerals as prescribed by the mineral manufacturer; a slow brining which is a downflow operation under pressure controlled conditions is applied to the mineral bed; a slow rinse that is downflow and controlled under reduced pressure is maintained; and a fast rinse that is downfiow under full pressure is provided.

The use of the combined gasket 300 and pressure actuator portions generally indicated at 302 for the first valve element 206, 310 for the second valve element 236 and 301 for the cut-olf drain valve 214 provides for free action of the valves with no sticking of the pressure actuators. In this valve assembly the actuation of the first, second and drain cut-off valves is without differential pressure and thus positive and very reliable free action is assured with a minimum of wearing of parts and a freedom from leakage.

It is to be noted that the cross sectional size of apertures 246 and 246a, see FIG. 13, bears a ratio to the cross sectional area of drain aperture 226c such that the pressure under the first pressure actuator 302 and the second pressure actuator 310 is equal to less than 60% of the main supply pressure during the fast rinse cycle. When the second solenoid 254 is deenergized the pressure on top of the first pressure actuator 302 has already been relieved and as soon as the second pressure actuator 310 moves up to seat 236b against seat 202d any pressure remaining under the first pressure actuator 302 in chamber 205 and under the second pressure actuator 310 in chamber 244 is relieved to drain passage 226c.

During the fast rinse when drain water pressure is in the chambers 205 and 244 below the pressure actuators therein, the top retainer or washer element-s 305, as illustrated in FIG. 9, for the first and second pressure actuators 302 and 310 receives the force of the pressure therebelow and contains the diaphragm portion of the pressure actuators and prevents them from blowing out.

FIVE CYCLE OPERATION The five cycles of operation of the apparatus and their effect on the mineral bed M in the softener tank 8 are shown diagrammatically in FIGURES 18, 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d. Certain reference numbers have been purposely omitted to permit a clearer showing of each cycle action.

In the conditioning of the water as shown in FIG. 1, illustrating cycle No. 1, the flow is directed through the -cycle valve 200, down through the softener tank S from top to bottom and through the packed mineral bed M. A bottom manifold conducts the treated water from the bottom of tank S and it passes through the valve 200 to service or soft Water outlet to house.

The backwashing of the softener tank S, as shown in FIG. 18a, takes place as cycle No. 2 is initiated upon a time clock setting action or following a metered amount of water having passed through the softener. At this time the hard water is directed by valve 200, solenoid N0. 1 having been energized, so that the hard water washes up through the mineral bed M from the bottom to loosen and flush out the iron and filtered out deposits prior to a brine treatment to rehabilitate the mineral M. The top of the tank is by action of the first valve element 206 directed to drain in the five cycle valve 200.

In FIG. 18b cycle No. 3, the brining cycle, takes place. At this occurrence solenoid No. 2 is energized and the second valve element 236 is positioned within valved assembly 200 so that another passage to drain is connected to be in communication with the bottom of the softener or mineral tank S. Brine is drawn from the brink tank B by injector action within valve 200 and introduced into the softener tank S just above the mineral bed and just below the head or freeboard of water indicated at F above the mineral bed. The mineral bed M is reconditioned.

In FIG. 18c a slow rinse takes place and this is designated cycle No. 4. Hard water passes down through the mineral bed where it is introduced below the freeboard F through the same line used to introduce the brine into tank S. This action takes place just after the introduction of the brine and before No. 1 solenoid is deenergized to restore valve element 206 to its in-service conditioning position.

In FIG. 18d only No. 2 solenoid remains energized and in this cycle No. 5 the fast rinse of the whole softener tank S from top to bottom and during a portion of the timed interval replacement water is introduced into the brine tank. Full Water pressure is supplied by the hard water service connection through the valve 200. At this time the mineral bed is packed and salt water pockets and turbidity pockets are removed or isolated into dormant iron and salt pockets. These do not backwash out or do not exchange by the brine action and thus there is no passing of a slug of iron into the house supply after regeneration. The fast rinse action packets the mineral bed for better filtration of any turbid water supply.

While solenoid actuated valves have been illustrated to supply the control pressure to the valve actuators manual or mechanical valves can be used to supply the control pressure. So also electric or mechanically operated cams can be used to move the first and second valve elements 206 and 236.

This valve assembly may equally as well be used with pressure brining systems or in a non-pressure sealed brine tank system as here illustrated in water softener apparatus. Without adjustment the valve assembly will work on pressures ranging from about 2 to 200 pounds per square inch and due to this it can take advantage of all water systems. In use of this valve assembly the pressure controls the rates of flow and volume.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination with a Water softener having a softener tank having a mineral bed therein, a hard water inlet above the mineral bed and a soft water outlet at the bottom below the mineral bed, a brine tank having a common brine suction and water replacement conduit leading to adjacent the bottom thereof, a hard water supply passageway, a service passageway, means connecting the hard water passageway with the top of said softener tank, means connecting the service passageway with the bottom of said softener tank, liquid operating means including first and second valve elements separately operable, each valve element having a first and a second position and first and second valve means thereon, said first position of the first valve element being a service position, a first drain line connected with the hard water supply passageway, a second drain line connected with the service passageway, the first of said valve elements having its two valve means operating with the hard water supply passageway, said first valve element and the second valve means thereon in its first position permitting hard water flow through the supply passageway and the second valve means thereon positioned between the supply passageway and the first drain line and closing off flow to said drain line, means for moving said first valve element from and to its first and second positions, said first valve element in its second position having its first valve means thereon closing off said supply passageway and its second valve means permitting flow from the top of softener tank to the first drain line, said first drain line having a fluid pressure operated cut-off valve means therein adjacent its connection with the supply passageway whereby flow from the top of the softener tank is prevented therethrough when said cut-01f valve means is actuated to prevent flow through that drain line, the second valve element having its first and second valve means operating with the service passageway, a by-pass line means connecting a portion of the hard water supply passageway with a portion of the service passageway, means supplying hard Water to the by-pass line when said first valve element is moved to second position, said second valve element in its first position positioning the first valve means thereon in the service passageway to furnish by-pass water to the bottom of and upward through the softener tank and the second valve means thereon closing off said second drain line in its connection to the service passageway, said second valve element in its second position having its first valve means thereon closing off said service passageway and its second valve means permitting flow from the bottom of the softener tank through a portion of said service passageway to the second drain line, an injector jet for drawing brine through the common brine suction and refill line and conduit means from the discharge of the jet to said softener tank for introduction of brine above the mineral bed, hard water pressure supply means for moving said second valve element to its second position and connected with said fluid pressure operated drain cut-off valve means and actuating it to cut off flow in the first drain line and thereby preventing flow out of the top of said softener tank and connected to and supplying water through said brine suction jet to draw brine from said brine tank and discharge it to said softener tank following which said hard water in the hard water pressure supply means continues to flow and provides a slow rinse to said mineral bed through said same conduit means extending from said discharge of said jet to said softener tank, said first valve eiement on returnin to first position of service furnishinghard water supply pressure to the top of the softener tank causing a fast rate of rinse and repacking of the mineral bed and brine making water to flow through said jet to replenish the supply in said brine tank bottom, following Which said second valve element is moved to service or first position on release of said hard Water pressure supply acting thereon and soft Water is furnished from the softener tank through said service passageway; the improvement therewith comprising a flow control means in said common brine suction and water replacement conduit, said flow control means being responsive to variable water pressure and for a fixed time of water passing therethrough supplying a given quantity of replacement water in said brine tank.

2. Automatic Water softening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for moving said first valve element includes a hard water pressure supply means and a first solenoid o erated valve fo controlling the hard water pressure supply means for the first valve element, a second solenoid operated valve in said hard water pressure supply means for moving the second valve element, moving the fluid pressure operator for drain cut-01f valve means and supplying hard water to the suction jet, and control apparatus for completing electrical circuits to said first and second solenoids.

3. Automatic water softening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for moving said first valve 'elementinclud s a fluid pressure actuator means connested therewith arid said pressure actuator means has ii first solenoid element operating a flui press re sup ly valve to supply fluid operating pressure to said first pres= sure actuator and wherein said hard water pressure supply means for moving said second valve element has a pressure actuator means connected therewith and said second pressure actuator has a second solenoid element operating a fluid pressure supply valve to supply fluid operating pressure to said second pressure actuator.

4. Automatic water softening apparatus according to claim 3 including an electric timer clock having cam means and circuit switch closures operated thereby and having connecting means respectively to complete circuits to said first and second solenoids.

5. In an automatic water treating apparatus having a mineral tank with a mineral bed therein for treating water passing therethrough; a brine tank for furnishing brine to regenerate the mineral bed; multiple valve means having conducting means connecting with each of the following: a water supply to be treated, said mineral tank above and below the mineral bed therein, a drain line, said brine tank and a service line for carrying water treated by the mineral bed; said mulliple valve means having liquid conducting means and time control operating means connected thereto for causing said multiple valve means to sequentially carry out transfer of supply water through the mineral tank and mineral bed and to the service line, backwashing supply water through said mineral tank and bed and to said drain line, conducting brine from the brine tank through the mineral bed and to said drain line, conducting supply water at a relatively slow rate through the mineral tank and bed and to said drain line to first slow rinse said bed and then at a relatively fast rate to remove or isolate salt and turbidity pockets and repack said bed and to again carry out transfer of supply water through the mineral bed and to the service line; the improvement therewith comprising a flow control means in said conducting means connecting the multiple valve means and said brine tank, said flow control means being responsive to variable supply water pressure as supplied thereto by said multiple valve means and for a fixed time of sup ply water passing therethrough under control of said multiple valve means and time control operating means to supply a given quantity of supply water as replacement water in said brine tank.

6. In combination with a water softener having a softencr tank having a mineral bed therein, a hard water inletabove the mineral bed and a soft water outlet at the bottom below the mineral bed, a brine tank having a common brine suction and water replacement conduit leading to adjacent the bottom thereof, a hard water supply passageway, a service passageway, means connecting the hard water passageway with the top of said softener tank, means connecting the service passageway with the bottom of said softener tank, operating means including first and second valve elements separately operable, each valve element having a first and a second position and first and second valve means thereon, said first position of the first valvc elcmcnt'being a service position, a first drain line connected with the hard water supply pa sageway, a second drain line connected with the service passogeway, the first of said valve elements having its two valve means operating with the hard water supply passageway, said first valve element and the second valve means thereon in its first position permitting hard water flow through the supply passageway and the second valve means thereon positioned between the supply passageway and the first drain line and closing off flow to said drain line, said operati g means moving said first valve element from and to its first and second positions, said first valve element in its second position having its first valve means thereon closing ofi said supply passageway and its second valve means permitting flow from the top of softener tank to the first drain line, said first drain line having a cut-o5 valve means therein adjacent its connection with the sup ply passageway whereby flow from the top of the softener tank is prevented rherethrough when said cut-off valve means is emoted to prevent flow through that drain line, the? scond valve element having its first and second valve means op'raiing with the service passageway, a by-pass line means connecting a portion of the hard water supply passageway with a portion of the service passageway, m ans supplying hard water to the by-pass line when said first valve element is moved to second position, said second valve element in its first position positioning the first valve means thereon in the service passageway to furnish by-pass water to the bottom of and upward through the softener tank and the second valve means thereon closing ofi said second drain line in its connection to the service assageway, said second valve element in its second position having its first valve means thereonvclosing off said service passageway and its second valve means permiting flow from the bottom of the softener tank through aportion of said service passageway to the second drain line, an injector jet for drawing brine through the m mon brine suction and refill line and conduit-means from the discharge of the jet to said softener tank for introduction of brine above the mineral bed, said operating means moving said second valve element to its second position and connected with said drain cut-ofi valve means and actuating it to cut of) flow in the first drain line and thereby preventing flow out of the top of said softener tank, hard water pressure supply means connected to and supplying water through said brine suction jet to draw brine from said brine tank and discharge it to said softener tank following which said hard water in the hard water pressure supply means continues to flow and provides a slow rinse to said mineral bed through said some conduit means extending from said discharge of said jet to said softener tank, said first valve element on returning to first position f service furnishing hard water supply pressure to the top of the softener rank causing a fas rate of rinse and repacking of the mineral bed and brine making water to fl w ro g said jet to replenish the supply in said brine tank bottom, following which said second valve element is moved to service or first position by said operating means and soft water is furnished from the softener tank through said service passageway; the improvement therewith comprising a flow control means in said common brine suction and water replacement conduit, said flow control means being responsive to variable water pressure and for a fixed time of water passing therethrough supplying a given quantity of replacement water in said brine tank.

7. In the operation of a water softener apparatus having a mineral tank with a mineral bed therein for treating water passing therethrough; a brine tank for furnishing brine to regenerate the mineral bed; multiple valve means having conducting means connecting with each of the following: a water supply to be treated, said mineral tank above and below the mineral bed therein, a drain line, said brine tank and a service line for carrying water treated by the mineral bed; said multiple valve means having liquid conducting means and time control operating means connected thereto for causing said multiple valve means to sequentially carry out transfer of supply water through the mineral tank and mineral bed and to the service line, backwashing supply water through said mineral tank and bed and to said drain line, conducting brine from the brine tank through the mineral bed to said drain line, conducting supply water at a relatively slow rate through the mineral tank and bed and to said drain to first slow rinse said bed and then at a relatively fast rate to remove or isolate salt and turbidity pockets and repack said bed and to again carry out transfer of supply water through the mineral bed and to the service line; the improvement in replenishing supply water as replacement water in the brine tank which comprisse adjusting the flow of supply water to the brine tank responsive to variable supply water pressure as supplied by said multiple valve means and for a fixed time of supply water passing to the brine tank supplying a given quantity of supply water as replacement water in said brine tank for said fixed time of flow to the brine tank irrespective of the variable supply water pressure.

References Cited by the Examiner The following references, cited by the Examiner, are of record in the patented file of this patent or the original patent.

REUBEN FRIEDMAN, Primary Examiner. S. ZAHARNA, Assistant Examiner. 

